Nancy · San Diego ADU
A homeowner story about turning an ADU idea into a real family living space.
Check My PropertyADU Builders in San Diego
Build the ADU your property was waiting for.
Custom ADU design-build in San Diego. Get a quick property check before paying for full plans.
Homeowner Stories
See what it feels like to work with IL Total.
Ariella · Del Cerro Project
A homeowner story about communication, quality, and watching the plan come together.
Check My Property★★★★★
“From design to permits to construction, everything was handled smoothly. The final result came out clean, functional, and way better than I expected.”
Jason Hefter Garage conversion ADU · North Park★★★★★
“Rummy worked magic with the design, taking a challenging lot and turning it into a beautiful, efficient space.”
Matan Vardi ADU project · Golden Hill★★★★★
“Her attention to detail and level of communication was second to none. The layout and design was perfect and maximized the space provided.”
Blair Schueler ADU design · San DiegoBefore plans, know what your lot can actually do.
An ADU can become a rental unit, guest house, family suite, home office, or long-term property upgrade. The first step is checking the property, access, structure, goal, and permit path.
1
Property Review
We review your basic project details, address, existing structures, access, and ADU goal.
2
ADU Direction
We help you understand whether a detached ADU, attached ADU, garage conversion, or JADU may fit best.
3
Design + Permit Path
Your next step is clearer before you spend money on full plans or commit to a build.
ADU Options
The right ADU depends on the property.
IL Total helps San Diego homeowners compare the practical options before committing to full plans.
01
Detached ADU
A separate backyard unit for rental income, family, guests, or long-term flexibility.
02
Garage Conversion
Turn an existing garage into a legal living space when the structure and layout make sense.
03
Attached ADU
A unit connected to the main home, planned around the existing layout and property access.
04
Junior ADU
A smaller living unit created within part of the existing home for compact, practical use.
Why One Team Matters
ADU projects get expensive when the hand-offs are messy.
A designer, permit path, and builder can all be right on paper but disconnected in practice. IL Total keeps those decisions connected from the first conversation.
The common problem
- Plans are created before build readiness, budget, and site conditions are clear.
- Bad permit prep can slow the project down and bring costs up.
- The contractor faces issues after plans are already complete.
- You become the unpaid project manager, spending more time chasing answers.
The IL Total path
- Feasibility is reviewed before full plans.
- Design, permit, and build decisions stay connected.
- The next step is clarified before you commit.
- One local team stays responsible, with little to no involvement needed on your side.
San Diego ADU Projects
Explore ADU Projects
Click any project to see a short overview and more photos.
Project Walkthroughs
Watch ADU projects come together.
The People Behind The Project
A local team guiding design, permits, and build.
Homeowners work with real people who understand San Diego properties, older homes, permitting questions, and the details that make an ADU feel finished.
Rummy Dechner
Founder & Lead Designer
Rummy founded IL Total Design in 2000 and has spent more than two decades designing custom homes, ADUs, and additions across San Diego.
Greg Ricards
Designer & General Contractor
Greg helps connect the drawing board to the job site so practical build details stay part of the design conversation.
Daniel Dechner
Head Project Coordinator
Daniel helps homeowners understand the next step and keeps communication clear from the first consultation through the project path.
Serving San Diego County
ADU design-build guidance for San Diego homeowners.
IL Total helps homeowners across San Diego County plan ADUs around local lots, access, design needs, and permit paths.
FAQ
Questions homeowners ask before starting an ADU.
What does the free ADU property check include?
We review your basic project details, property goals, ADU type, and next step so you can understand whether it makes sense to move forward.
Do I need full plans before talking to IL Total?
No. Many homeowners start with a feasibility conversation first, so they can avoid spending money on plans before the property direction is clear.
What types of ADUs do you help with?
Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversion ADUs, junior ADUs, guest houses, backyard homes, and ADUs planned for rental income or family use.
Are these prefab ADUs?
No. IL Total focuses on custom ADUs planned around the property, main home, homeowner goals, and San Diego permitting path.
Do you help with permits?
Yes. Design and permit planning are part of the process, with construction considerations connected from the start.
Can an ADU be used for rental income?
Many San Diego homeowners build ADUs for rental income, family living, guests, aging parents, or long-term property value. The right use depends on your goals and property.
Start Here
See what kind of ADU may work on your property.
Send your project details and IL Total Design & Build will help you understand the next step before you spend money on full plans.
Get My Free ADU Property Check